Can We Use Dialogue in Our Common App Essay? (And Should We?)
The Common App essay, that dreaded beast, that behemoth of self-reflection. It’s a chance to showcase your personality, your experiences, your aspirations, all within the confines of a 650-word word count. So, the question arises: Can we use dialogue in our Common App essay? And more importantly, should we?
The short answer to the first question is YES, you can use dialogue in your Common App essay. In fact, it can be a powerful tool to bring your story to life. The longer answer, however, is a tad more nuanced. Like most things in life, dialogue in a Common App essay can be a double-edged sword.
Dialogue can be a great way to:
- Engage the reader: Dialogue creates a sense of immediacy and pulls the reader into the story. Instead of simply telling us what happened, you’re showing us, bringing the conversation to life. Imagine a scene where you’re trying to explain your passion for robotics. Instead of just writing, “I love robotics,” you could have a conversation with a friend: “Dude, did you see that new drone? It’s crazy how they’re using AI to navigate…”
- Showcase your personality: Dialogue allows you to reveal your sense of humor, your wit, your vocabulary, and your unique way of speaking. It’s a chance to show the admissions committee who you are, beyond just what you’ve written.
- Give context to your experiences: Dialogue can provide context to your experiences, revealing the nuances of your relationship with others. Think about your relationship with your mentor. Did you have a conversation where you talked about your doubts, your fears, or your hopes? Dialogue can be a powerful way to share this experience with the admissions committee.
However, dialogue can also be a detriment if not handled properly:
- Too much dialogue can be overwhelming: Remember, your essay is not a play or a novel. Dialogue should be used sparingly, only when it truly adds value to your story.
- Dialogue can be a distraction: If your dialogue is not well-written or doesn’t serve a purpose, it can distract from your main message.
- It can limit your voice: Dialogue introduces another voice, which takes away from your own. The Common App essay is about you.
So, how do we know when dialogue is a good idea and when it’s not? Here are some key factors to consider:
- Relevance: Does the dialogue directly relate to the prompt and the story you’re telling? If it’s just a random conversation that doesn’t add anything to the essay, it’s probably not worth including.
- Impact: Does the dialogue reveal something significant about you or your story? Does it add depth, emotion, or understanding? If the dialogue is just filler or doesn’t contribute anything meaningful, it’s best to leave it out.
- Clarity: Is the dialogue clear, concise, and easy to understand? Avoid using slang or overly complex language, and make sure the conversation flows naturally.
Here’s a scenario to illustrate:
Say you’re writing about a time you overcame a challenge. You could simply write, “I was really nervous about the competition, but I knew I had to try my best.” However, dialogue can make this scene much more engaging:
- You: “I’m so nervous. What if I mess up?”
- Friend: “Hey, you’ve been practicing for months. You’ve got this! Just focus on doing your best, and you’ll be fine.”
This dialogue adds a layer of emotion and context to your experience. It shows that you’re a human being with doubts and fears, but also that you have a supportive friend who believes in you.
The key is to use dialogue strategically, only when it enhances your story and reveals something important about you. Dialogue is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it needs to be used with care.
In conclusion, using dialogue in your Common App essay can be a great way to bring your story to life, but it’s important to use it strategically and with purpose. Remember, the essay is about you, so make sure your voice comes through and that the dialogue serves to strengthen your message, not distract from it.
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